Lizard Skins Oury V2 is a single-sided lock-on grip that is a super comfortable place for larger hands. Their simple old-school block design pattern is surprisingly effective and easy to grip with that soft rubber providing long-ride comfort. They are on the larger side in terms of diameter, so perhaps won’t suit small hands, but if you like large grips these are definitely one of the best MTB grips available.
Lizard Skins acquired Oury Grips in 2017 and this V2 set in super bright Deja Blue is a bang-up-to-date version of the famous grip from the 80s with a single-ended lock-on fitment and eight bright colour options. The rubber is super soft and the branding is simple and they haven’t slipped in use which is a bonus. The V2 is also available as a slide-on or double lock-on version so there is something for everyone.
Lizard Skins Oury V2 grips – Technical details
That fat blue rubber is 33mm in diameter and it feels big in your hands which is great for me as I have quite long fingers I tend to prefer larger diameter grips. The regular block pattern with its deep groves provides excellent grip for your fingertips when pulling on the bars. There is no dual-density rubber here or cleverly shaped patterns with grip one way but not the other – just a soft rubber compound.
Lizard Skins Oury V2 grips – Performance
Throughout my testing, the grips have stayed still and provided an excellent partner for my hands whether with gloves or without providing much-needed feel and control back from the bar when pushing my limits.
Lizard Skins says that the thick rubber offers increased shock absorbency over skinny grips, which although I cannot scientifically confirm, definitely feels good with a reduction in trail buzz through the handlebars and a world better than the stock Whyte grips that came on my bike. That’s not that surprising really, everybody should consider a decent grip upgrade for more comfort, feel and grip over the standard units fitted to most new bikes.
That comfort manifests itself in less hand ache or cramps allowing you to ride for longer and control the bars when you get tired after a long day in the saddle. No, they won’t stop fatigue completely but they held it at bay longer than other grips I’ve used.
I can imagine that these might not be the best choice for smaller hands even if the soft rubber might initially invite you in as that 33mm diameter could be an issue. Difficult to say, but try before you buy if you can. Certainly, riders of slim grips who prefer a firm direct feel like that provided by ODI’s AG-1 grips or similar should definitely look elsewhere.
Lizard Skins Oury V2 grips – Verdict
At £30 retail, they are not the cheapest on the market by a long way but this Oury V2 version offers a large diameter grip with their super soft block style pattern and it just simply works.
While they are more expensive than the very good £22 PNW Loam grips as well as ODI’s Rogue grips or its Elite Pro grips both at £28; if you look around you should be able to narrow your search for something that works for you.
In the non-lock-on category, there are a number of Silicone grips of which the ESI Fatty’s Silicone grip at 35mm in diameter is worth a look. Fitting isn’t as simple but they scored highly with Matt for comfort and are priced at £28.
Lizard Skins Oury V2 Single Clamp Lock-On are highly recommended if you have large hands and want for more comfort on your bike. They come in a range of lock-on or slide-on styles in up to eight different colours, all of which are soft.
